Diabetes is a common epidemic in many jurisdictions worldwide, especially in North America. That is because a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle are to blame for it. Diabetes can also result from genetics and if you add the genetics with poor diet and lack of exercise, the odds of getting type 2 diabetes are high.
Type 2 diabetes results from the pancreas not producing enough insulin to break down sugar in the blood for energy. Therefore, it causes the blood glucose to stick to the blood and that can cause diabetes. Diabetes itself is not a death sentence. However, if you don’t control it, then it is because uncontrolled diabetes will cause nerve damage which will lead to blindness, amputations, and it can also lead to liver and kidney failure. Heart disease will also happen. And if type 2 diabetes is not controlled, it can lead to type 1 diabetes which means the pancreas no longer produces insulin. Then you will need to have insulin injections. With type 2 diabetes, that will not be necessary, especially early on. However, a healthy diet and being active in addition to some medication will keep it under control.
There are certain signs that can point to someone being diabetic which include fatigue and brain fog after eating something with a lot of sugar and simple carbohydrates such as potatoes, white rice, white flour, and sugary junk food. However, there is another sign that can indicate that you may be diabetic and that is the increased chances of dealing with urinary tract infections or UTIs and yeast infections. Therefore, if you are in the bathroom and you are dealing with painful urination, and a lot of itching, it can point to diabetes.
Why Are UTIs and Yeast Infections Common Among Diabetics?
Here is the thing. When there is too much sugar in the urine, it will become a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Therefore, the likelihood of developing a UTI or a yeast infection is quite high if you have diabetes. Men can develop yeast infections, but women are a lot more likely to develop them. That is because there is also a lot of sugar in their mucus lining in the reproductive system which is why.
And if you have uncontrolled diabetes, you are going to struggle to fight off infections and too much blood sugar will have a negative impact on the immune system. That means UTIs and yeast infections among those who have uncontrolled diabetes will have a hard time fighting them off and because of that, it makes it more difficult to treat. Now, let’s talk about the difference between the symptoms of a UTI and a yeast infection.
What Are The Symptoms Of A UTI?
When you have a UTI, you will experience frequent urination, as well as burning. The urine may have an odd color it may be cloudy. You may also have tenderness in the lower back and even pain. You may have that also on the sides or in the abdomen. And in severe cases, you may end up with nausea, fever, and chills. And if you are diabetic, you may end up dealing with a severe case of a UTI because it is more difficult to treat. What about yeast infections?
What Are The Symptoms Of Yeast Infections?
Yeast infections will not cause fevers or any significant sickness. However, you will end up with painful urination as well as burning and itching. There also may be some genital swelling, and in women, there may also be a white discharge that is very thick but is odorless.
If you think you have either of these infections, go to your doctor, and you will also want to get your blood sugar levels checked too!
